Sri Lankan powerhouse Tillakaratne Dilshan to join the Sydney Thunder

The Sydney Thunder are close to completing the final parts of their jigsaw for BBL|03 with the signing of Sri Lankan batting star Tillakaratne Dilshan.

The 37 year-old right hander is one of the most exciting players in the world and will bring both hitting power and leadership to a squad that continues to create excitement for the fans of ThunderNation.

Dilshan’s international record is superb. A veteran of 87 Test matches and 270 One Day Internationals, he is also one of the most sought-after batsmen in world cricket in the T20 format. He has played 146 Domestic T20 matches, in addition to 50 T20 Internationals.

He has played in World Cups and T20 World Championships, as well as being a star of the Indian Premier League, where he has represented both the Delhi Daredevils and the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Dilshan, will be available for six of the Thunder matches of BBL|03.

He will make his debut in match three against the Melbourne Stars at ANZ Stadium on New Year’s Day.

Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has seen Dilshan’s skills at close hand: “Having worked closely with Dilshan during my time with the Sri Lankan squad I was very keen to get him to the Thunder this season. He is a match-winner with the bat, but will also provide us with another spinning option with the ball as well as being a brilliant fielder. He has played at the highest level for a long time and knows how to perform on the big stage and he will a major attraction for Thunder members and fans this summer.”

The Thunder start their campaign with the ‘Sydney Smash’ against the Sixers at the SCG on Saturday 21 December.